Ghana defender Jerome Opoku praised England’s strong squad ahead of the Black Stars’ important Group L match on June 23, but he is confident in his own team’s abilities.

“Obviously, we know they have top-quality players and a very strong team,” Opoku said.

But as a group, we also believe in our own strengths. It’s another game for us, and we have to approach it the same way we did against Panama: fighting for each other and giving everything on the pitch.

The centre-back, who played well with Jonas Adjetey in Ghana’s 1-0 win over Panama, knows the Black Stars face a tough challenge. England started their World Cup with an exciting 4-2 win over Croatia, and captain Harry Kane scored twice to match Gary Lineker’s record of 10 World Cup goals.

Opoku also talked about the emotions after Caleb Yirenkyi’s dramatic stoppage-time goal against Panama, which gave Ghana three important points.

“When the goal went in, the emotions were incredible. You could see it from the fans, the bench, and the players. It was a special moment for everyone. Getting those three points was the perfect start and gives us momentum going forward.”

Some people think a draw against England would be a good result, but Opoku says Ghana should approach every match with a winning mindset.

“We won our first game, and I’ve heard people say that a draw against England would be enough. But for me, every game is there to be won. You go into every match aiming for three points. Whatever happens after that happens, but you can’t enter a game thinking about a draw.”

The Black Stars will play England in Boston on June 23, then finish their Group L matches against Croatia on June 27.

For Opoku and his teammates, the mindset is simple: respect the other team, believe in themselves, and try to win every game.